Erdoğan demands from Germany to extradite Turkish prosecutors

YEREVAN, AUGUST 17, ARMENPRESS. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has threatened Germany with not extraditing any criminals from Turkey in the future if Germany does not extradite Prosecutor Zekeriya Öz.

Armenpress reports, referring to “Today’s Zaman”, that Erdoğan made the threat even though there is currently no Red Notice issued by Interpol for Öz.

Speaking to civil society organizations in his hometown of Rize, Erdoğan said an Interpol Red Notice would be issued shortly for Öz and former prosecutor Celal Kara. “We will see what Germany does when a Red Notice is issued,” he stated.

“If it doesn't [extradite Öz], Germany will never see another criminal extradited to them with Tayyip Erdoğan's signature,” Erdoğan said, referring to himself in the third person, adding, “Turkey is not a primitive state.”

Öz, who previously oversaw key investigations and for whom an arrest warrant has been issued, has reportedly fled to Germany via Georgia and Armenia. However, after the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia rejected the Turkish prosecutors’ arriving in Armenia, Ankara immediately announced that the latter were in Germany.

Zekeriya Öz and Celal Kara are the 2 prosecutors who unveiled the “Great corruption” scandal in December 17-25 2013. Corruption deals of billions worth made by Erdoğan‘s son, daughter, son-in-law, as well as some ministers were uncovered in that period.

To cover up this shameful incident, Erdoğan ordered to dismiss Zekeriya Öz and other officials in charge of the case. Lawsuits were also brought against them.